Egypt’s outreach to Lebanon is guided by a broad strategic vision aimed at providing direct support to Beirut during a period of acute instability, international relations scholar Hamed Fares said Friday.
Fares told Egypt’s Extra News channel that economic cooperation remains the “top priority” in bilateral ties, noting that Egyptian exports to Lebanon exceed $700 million but still fall short of reflecting the depth of political relations between the two countries.
He said the 10th meeting of the Egyptian‑Lebanese Joint Higher Committee — held for the first time in six years and attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly — could pave the way for major advances in infrastructure, reconstruction, and cooperation on gas, energy and electricity. The high‑level Egyptian delegation, which included the ministers of electricity, transport and petroleum, signaled Cairo’s intention to share its economic reform experience with Lebanon, he added.
Addressing tensions in southern Lebanon, Fares said Madbouly’s visit carried clear political messages, including Egypt’s rejection of Israeli presence in the area and its support for international mediation. He said Cairo is using its ties with major global powers — including the United States, Russia, China and the European Union — to bolster Lebanon diplomatically.
Fares said Egypt continues to back Lebanese state institutions and supports limiting weapons to the state in line with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement. He added that Egypt “will not abandon its brothers in Lebanon” and will continue supporting Beirut until it regains stability.